Buffalo Bills reach decision on future stadium, relocation

The Buffalo Bills have reached an important decision regarding a new stadium for the franchise. On Monday, it was announced that the Bills have reached an agreement to build a new stadium in Erie County.

“The #Bills have reached an agreement between New York State and Erie County for a $1.4 billion new stadium in Orchard Park,” Pro Football Talk’s Ari Meirov tweeted. “New York State will pay $600M, the NFL and the Bills contribute $550M and Erie County contributes $250M. NFL owners have unanimously passed the proposal.”

Currently, the Bills play in Highmark Stadium, which is also in Erie County, New York. Highmark Stadium initially opened in August of 1973, and has previously been known as Rich Stadium, Ralph Wilson Stadium, New Era Field, and Bills Stadium throughout past years.

According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Pegula Sports EVP Ron Raccuia said that groundbreaking for the new stadium is set to begin in the spring, with an anticipated completion in 2026. The new stadium will hold 62,000 seats.

Bills announce 30-year deal for new $1.4 billion stadium in Orchard Park.

The official groundbreaking scheduled for next spring and aiming for 2026 completion. 62,000 seats, open air, “built for Buffalo,” per Pegula Sports EVP Ron Raccuia. pic.twitter.com/1atuAZUrKQ

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 28, 2022

Bills comment on the new stadium agreement

After news broke of the agreement to begin construction of a new stadium, Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula released a statement via Twitter. The two are excited to be remaining in Erie County, and look forward to the project getting underway.

“We took another step today to solidify our collective goal of constructing a new stadium for the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park,” the statement read. “We are grateful for the time, efforts and unwavering commitment made by Governor Hochul and her team throughout this process.

“While there are more hurdles to clear before getting to the finish line, we feel our public-private partnership between New York State, Erie County, led by County Executive Mark Poloncarz, and the National Football League will get us there.”

The Bills have won at least ten games in three straight seasons. Buffalo is now a two-time defending AFC East champion. This past season, the Bills made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. Now, the Bills will hope to continue their success over recent seasons, continuing momentum as the new stadium begins to be built.